2003 FORD E SERIES check transmission fluid

•Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a grade. If you must
park on a grade, place wheel chocks under the trailer’s wheels.
Launching or retrieving a boat
Disconnect the wiring to the trailer before backing the trailer
into the water. Reconnect the wiring to the trailer after the
trailer is removed from the water.
When backing down a ramp during boat launching or retrieval:
•do not allow the static water level to rise above the bottom edge of
the rear bumper.
•do not allow waves to break higher than 15 cm (6 inches) above the
bottom edge of the rear bumper.
Exceeding these limits may allow water to enter vehicle components:
•causing internal damage to the components.
•affecting driveability, emissions and reliability.
Replace the rear axle lubricant any time the axle has been submerged in
water. Rear axle lubricant quantities are not to be checked or changed
unless a leak is suspected or repair required.
RECREATIONAL TOWING (ALL WHEELS ON THE GROUND)
An example of recreational towing would be towing your vehicle on a
trip behind a motorhome. Follow these guidelines if you have the need
for recreational towing your vehicle with all four wheels on the ground.
These guidelines are designed to ensure that your transmission is not
damaged.
2WD vehicles (with automatic transmissions):
•Place the transmission in N (Neutral)
•Maximum speed is 56 km (35 mph)
•Maximum distance is 80 km (50 miles)
If a distance of 80 km (50 miles) or a speed of 56 km (35 mph) must be
exceeded, the drive shaft will have to be removed.
Ford recommends the driveshaft be removed/installed only by a qualified
technician. See your local dealer for driveshaft removal/installation.
Improper removal/installation of the driveshaft can cause
transmission fluid loss, damage to the driveshaft and internal
transmission components.
Driving
136

6. If the fluid is low, add fluid in small amounts, continuously checking
the level until it reaches the FULL COLD range. Be sure to put the
dipstick back in the reservoir.
BRAKE FLUID RESERVOIR
The fluid level will drop slowly as
the brakes wear, and will rise when
the brake components are replaced.
Fluid levels below the“MAX”line
that do not trigger the brake system
warning lamp are within the normal
operating range, there is no need to
add fluid. If the fluid levels are outside of the normal operating range,
the performance of your brake system could be compromised, seek
service from your dealer immediately.
DRIVELINE UNIVERSAL JOINT AND SLIP YOKE
Your vehicle may be equipped with universal joints that require
lubrication. Refer to the scheduled maintenance guide for maintenance
intervals. If the original universal joints are replaced with universal joints
equipped with grease fittings, lubrication will also be necessary.
TRANSMISSION FLUID
Checking automatic transmission fluid (if equipped)
Refer to your scheduled maintenance guide for scheduled intervals for
fluid checks and changes. Your transmission does not consume fluid.
However, the fluid level should be checked if the transmission is not
working properly, i.e., if the transmission slips or shifts slowly or if you
notice some sign of fluid leakage.
Automatic transmission fluid expands when warmed. To obtain an
accurate fluid check, drive the vehicle until it is at normal operating
temperature (approximately 30 km [20 miles]). If your vehicle has been
operated for an extended period at high speeds, in city traffic during hot
weather or pulling a trailer, the vehicle should be turned off for about 30
minutes to allow fluid to cool before checking.
1. Drive the vehicle 30 km (20 miles) or until it reaches normal operating
temperature.
2. Park the vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake.
3. With the parking brake engaged and your foot on the brake pedal,
start the engine and move the gearshift lever through all of the gear
ranges. Allow sufficient time for each gear to engage.
MAX
Maintenance and Specifications
204

4. Latch the gearshift lever in P (Park) and leave the engine running.
5. Remove the dipstick, wiping it clean with a clean, dry lint free rag. If
necessary, refer toIdentifying components in the engine compartment
in this chapter for the location of the dipstick.
6. Install the dipstick making sure it is fully seated in the filler tube.
7. Remove the dipstick and inspect the fluid level. The fluid should be in
the designated area for normal operating temperature or ambient
temperature.
Low fluid level
Do not drive the vehicle if the fluid
level is at the bottom of the dipstick
and the ambient temperature is
above 10°C (50°F).
Correct fluid level
The transmission fluid should be checked at normal operating
temperature 66°C-77°C (150°F-170°F) on a level surface. The normal
operating temperature can be reached after approximately 30 km (20
miles) of driving.
You can check the fluid without driving if the ambient temperature is
above 10°C (50°F). However, if fluid is added at this time, an overfill
condition could result when the vehicle reaches normal operating
temperature.
The transmission fluid should be in
this range if at normal operating
temperature (66°C-77°C
[150°F-170°F]).
The transmission fluid should be in
this range if at ambient temperature
(10°C-35°C [50°F-95°F]).
High fluid level
Fluid levels above the safe range
may result in transmission failure.
An overfill condition of transmission
fluid may cause shift and/or
engagement concerns and/or possible damage.
High fluid levels can be caused by an overheating condition.
Maintenance and Specifications
205

Fluid Ford Part
NameApplication Capacity
Transmission
fluid
6Motorcraft
MERCON
V
AT FAutomatic
(4R70W)13.2L (13.9
quarts)7
Motorcraft
MERCON
AT FAutomatic
(4R100 except
E-450)16.1L (17.0
quarts)7
Automatic
(4R100 E-450
and E-550)16.7L (17.7
quarts)7
Windshield
washer fluidMotorcraft
Premium
Windshield
Washer
ConcentrateAll 4.0L (4.2
quarts)
1Add the coolant type originally equipped in your vehicle.2If your vehicle’s rear axle is filled with a synthetic rear axle lubricant it
is considered lubricated for life. These lubricants do not need to be
checked or changed unless a leak is suspected, service is required or the
axle assembly has been submerged in water. The axle lubricant should
be changed any time the rear axle has been submerged in water.
Fill 6 mm to 14 mm (1/4 inch to 9/16 inch) below bottom of fill hole.
Add 118 ml (4 oz.) of Additive Friction Modifier XL-3 or equivalent
meeting Ford specification EST-M2C118–A, for complete refill of 8.8 inch
and 9.75 inch Traction-Lok axles.
3Fill Dana rear axles to 6 mm to 19 mm (1/4 inch to 3/4 inch) below
bottom of fill hole.
4Visteon Traction-Lok axles require 118 ml (4 oz.) of Additive Friction
Modifier XL—3 or equivalent meeting Ford specification EST-M2C118–A.
Dana limited-slip axles (E250/350/450/550) require 237ml (8 oz.) of
Additive Friction Modifier C8AZ—19B546–A or equivalent meeting Ford
specification EST-M2C118-A.
5Optional fuel tank 208L (55 gallon).
6Ensure the correct automatic transmission fluid is used. Transmission
fluid requirements are indicated on the dipstick or on the dipstick
handle. Check the container to verify the fluid being added is of the
correct type. Refer to your scheduled maintenance guide to determine
the correct service interval.
Maintenance and Specifications
216

Item Ford part
nameFord part
numberFord
specification
Dana 9.75 inch
(M60–1U)
3Hypoid Gear Oil
SAE 90C6AZ-19580–E ESW-M2C105–E
10.5 inch
(M70–2U)
(M70–1HD)
(E-250/350/
450/550)
3
Motorcraft SAE
80W-90
Premium Rear
Axle LubricantXY-80W90-QL WSP-M2C197-A
Windshield
washer fluidMotorcraft
Premium
Windshield
Washer
ConcentrateZC-32–A WSB-M8B16–A2
1Ensure the correct automatic transmission fluid is used. Transmission
fluid requirements are indicated on the dipstick or on the dipstick
handle. Check the container to verify the fluid being added is of the
correct type. Refer to your scheduled maintenance guide to determine
the correct service interval.
Some transmission fluids may be labeled as dual usage, such as
MERCON
and MERCON
V. These dual usage fluids are not to be used
in an automatic transmission that requires use of the MERCON
type
fluid. However, these dual usage fluids may be used in transmissions that
require the MERCON
V type fluid.
MERCON
and MERCON
V type fluids are not interchangeable.
DO NOT mix MERCON
and MERCON
V. Use of a transmission
fluid that indicates dual usage (MERCON
and MERCON
V) in
an automatic transmission application requiring MERCON
may
cause transmission damage. Use of any fluid other than the
recommended fluid may cause transmission damage.
2Add 118 ml (4 oz.) of Additive Friction Modifier XL-3 or equivalent
meeting Ford specification EST-M2C118-A for complete refill of Visteon
Traction-Lok rear axles.
3Add 237 ml (8 oz.) of Additive Friction Modifier C8AZ-19B546-A or
equivalent meeting Ford specification EST-M2C118-A for complete refill
of Dana Traction-Lok rear axles.
Maintenance and Specifications
219

A
Air bag supplemental restraint
system ..........................................91
and child safety seats ..............93
description ................................91
disposal ......................................95
driver air bag ............................93
indicator light ...........................95
operation ...................................93
passenger air bag .....................93
Air cleaner filter ...............206, 212
Ambulance packages ....................6
Antifreeze (see Engine
coolant) .....................................187
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ......................114–115
Audio system
(see Radio) ................15, 17, 20, 24
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive .................................118
fluid, adding ............................204
fluid, checking ........................204
fluid, refill capacities ..............213
fluid, specification ..................220
Auxiliary power point .................65
Axle
lubricant specifications ..217, 220
refill capacities ........................213
traction lok ..............................116
B
Battery .......................................182
acid, treating emergencies .....182
disconnecting ..........................184
jumping a disabled battery ....155
maintenance-free ....................182
replacement, specifications ...212servicing ..................................182
BeltMinder ...................................86
Brakes ........................................114
anti-lock ...........................114–115
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ...........................114
fluid, checking and adding ....204
fluid, refill capacities ..............213
fluid, specifications .........217, 220
lubricant specifications ..217, 220
parking ....................................115
shift interlock ..........................117
Break-in period .............................5
Bulbs ............................................55
C
Calculating load ........................124
Capacities for refilling fluids ....213
Cassette tape player ...................24
CD-single premium .........15, 17, 20
Cell phone use ............................65
Child safety restraints ................96
child safety belts ......................96
Child safety seats ........................99
in front seat ............................101
in rear seat ..............................101
tether anchorage hardware ...103
Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ..............171
exterior ....................................174
instrument panel ....................173
interior .....................................173
interior trim ............................173
plastic parts ............................172
washing ....................................170
waxing .....................................170
wheels ......................................171
Index
227

wiper blades ............................172
Climate control (see Air
conditioning or Heating) ......50, 52
Compass, electronic ....................63
calibration .................................64
set zone adjustment .................64
Console
overhead ....................................62
Controls
power seat .................................76
Coolant
checking and adding ..............187
refill capacities ................191, 213
specifications ..................217, 220
Cruise control (see Speed
control) ........................................67
Customer Assistance ................137
Ford accessories for your
vehicle .....................................174
Ford Extended Service
Plan ..........................................163
Getting assistance outside
the U.S. and Canada ..............167
Getting roadside assistance ...137
Getting the service you
need .........................................161
Ordering additional owner’s
literature .................................168
The Dispute Settlement
Board .......................................164
Utilizing the
Mediation/Arbitration
Program ...................................166
D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................53Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..........................................204
engine oil .................................179
Doors
lubricant specifications ..........217
Driveline universal joint and
slip yoke ....................................204
Driving under special
conditions ..................................121
through water .........................121
E
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................155
Emission control system ..........201
Engine ........................................220
cleaning ...................................171
coolant .....................................187
diesel ...........................................6
fail-safe coolant ......................192
idle speed control ...................182
lubrication specifications ......217,
220
refill capacities ........................213
service points ..........................177
starting after a collision .........139
Engine block heater .................114
Engine oil ..................................179
checking and adding ..............179
dipstick ....................................179
filter, specifications ........181, 212
recommendations ...................181
refill capacities ........................213
specifications ..................217, 220
Exhaust fumes ..........................114
F
Fail safe cooling ........................192
Index
228

Seats ............................................75
child safety seats ......................99
Servicing your vehicle ..............176
Spare tire (see Changing the
Tire) ...........................................147
Spark plugs,
specifications .....................212, 220
Special notice
ambulance conversions ..............6
diesel-powered vehicles .............6
utility-type vehicles ....................6
Specification chart,
lubricants ...........................217, 220
Speed control ..............................67
Starting your vehicle ........111–113
jump starting ..........................155
Steering wheel
tilting .........................................62
T
Temperature control
(see Climate control) ...........50, 52
Tires ...................................207–209
changing ..........................147–148
replacing ..........................150, 211
rotating ....................................210
snow tires and chains ............211
tire grades ...............................208
treadwear ................................207
Towing .......................................124
recreational towing .................136trailer towing ..........................124
wrecker ....................................160
Traction-lok rear axle ...............116
Transmission .............................117
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic) .............................204
fluid, refill capacities ..............213
lubricant specifications ..217, 220
Trunk ...........................................70
Turn signal ..................................54
V
Vehicle dimensions ...................220
Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) ..........................................222
Vehicle loading ..........................122
Ventilating your vehicle ...........114
W
Warning lights (see Lights) .......10
Washer fluid ..............................178
Water, Driving through .............121
Windows
power .........................................66
Windshield washer fluid and
wipers ..........................................61
checking and adding fluid .....178
replacing wiper blades .............61
Wrecker towing .........................160
Index
231